Alaerian’s Watchtower

by J. Alan Moore

Foreword

The working of ritual magick which follows is a regular part of my personal magickal practice. It is a synthesis of two ceremonies created by the founders of the Order of the Golden Dawn: the Supreme Invoking Ritual of the Pentagram, or SIRP, and the more elaborate ceremony of the Watchtower. These modifications serve to meet my individual needs and purposes in a way that neither ritual can do in their original forms. If used correctly, with the proper preparatory energetic work, my modified Watchtower creates a powerful, multi-dimensional, energetic space which is conducive to a number of different tasks, including, but not limited to: meditation, initiation, powering a magickal intent, charging talismans, healing, and mystical exploration.

The basic forms themselves were part of the curriculum set before me as I worked my way through the initiatory process of a contemporary temple of the Golden Dawn; and refined through practice as an adept of the system, while I was Hierophant to several groups of initiates through the last 20 or so years. However, I must give credit where credit is due: much of what I have learned of the inner workings of both the GD techniques and the Enochian system of magick, which is inextricably entwined with them, have been through the generous assistance of my good friend, colleague and sometime mentor Vincent Bridges. His truly visionary approach to the understanding and application of the Enochian system of magick (also called “Angelic” or “Ophanic”), and the understanding that sacred geometry is at the heart of what ritual magick actually does in the real world, has immeasurably enriched and informed my understanding of the work at hand. If you are interested, more information on Bridges’ concepts and techniques can be found on the website of his Fifth Way Mystery School (FWMS).

There are important preparatory steps to be taken before performing either the SIRP or my modified Watchtower. I generally use this ritual as the culminating component of a series of rituals, called by some practitioners of practical magick as a “stack”. Here is the order of service for the stack I use:

If the room in which I will be doing the rituals requires it (and except for some rather special circumstances involving a constantly running self-regulating magickal space, such as a properly charged Enochian Temple, it usually will) banish the space. I use the Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Pentagram (LBRP), and if I feel the need to clear out planetary or astrological influences which may muddy the intent I wish to energize, I’ll use a Lesser Banishing Ritual of the Hexagram (LBRH).

I begin the stack with the Lesser Invoking Ritual of the Pentagram (LIRP).

Once the LIRP is in place I perform a Middle Pillar exercise, replacing the standard Golden Dawn series of energy circulations with a Fifth Way technique called the Caduceus Breath.

If the magickal intent I have for the working at hand involves influencing the physical world in some way, I’ll perform a Lesser Invoking Ritual of the Hexagram (LIRH). This step is optional and for any meditative or mystical intent this step is not recommended.

Once the above steps have been accomplished I will then perform the Watchtower.

As always, when practicing ritual magick, to reach the fullest potential of the energetic work you must understand what you are actually creating in multi-dimensional space. Once it is clear that the practitioner is creating geometric energetic structures in multiple dimensions of space – the most important of which, for our purposes, is the fourth dimension – then the formula I have adapted from the methodology of Bridges’ Fifth Way Mystery School begins to make sense.

Briefly, the overall structure created in energetic forms is a dodecahedron. It is important to understand that what you are actually doing when you cast a pentagram magickally is creating the pattern through the rotation of a fourth-dimensional shape called a pentatope through five axes; this action creates, in two dimensions, both a pentagram and the pentagon which surrounds it. The LIRP creates the first four pentagons of the dodeca with its four pentagrams. The Middle Pillar draws down high vibrational light and the Caduceus Breath sends that light out into the space defined by the shape created by the LIRP and induces rotation. The LIRH, if used, creates a fixed connection between the higher dimensional structure and the physical realm. Then the Watchtower (or SIRP, if preferred) adds eight more pentagrams/pentagons, for a total of twelve which, in a manner similar to the behavior of carbon atoms under specific circumstances, self-organize into a dodecahedron.

It is postulated from the observable effects that shapes such as this have very specific energetic effects, which for our purposes we then exploit. Plato wrote that the dodecahedron was the shape used by God as a model for the universe. It is fascinating to realize that this three-dimensional shape is created by the projection of a four dimensional object into two dimensions, the results of which then self-organize into the dodecahedron—the highest order Platonic solid.

I have observed that this formula, or stack, creates a stable and powerful energetic space, quite palpable to those sensitive to non-physical energy and phenomena, which serves to protect the magickal practitioner and power the work to be done.

One final note on the formula I use in my modified Watchtower: after invoking the Tablet of Union, I add the step of vibrating the spiral names from the center of each elemental tablet. This is done to create a direct connection between the magickian – the operator of this energetic device just assembled—and the tablets themselves. It has been observed by some that the spiral names are projective and serve to connect the basic functions of the tablets to the energetic field, or aura, of the operator who invokes them.

It is not my intent to suggest that my form should supplant either ceremony from which it is derived; I simply wish to share with others the opportunity to observe my approach. You are welcome to try it out and see how it works for you.

Preparations

Temple arranged with four Elemental Tablets hung in cardinal points about the hall. Order of Tablets should be: east – Air; south – Fire; west – Water; and north – Earth. Small altar placed at center equidistant from Tablets having upon it Holy Table, Seal of Truth, and Tablet of Union; a small Seal of Truth may be placed underneath each leg of the table. Small table placed under each tablet with candle. On the southern table should also be incense, preferably a charcoal censer with frankincense. Other candles may be placed about the hall for light and atmosphere.

Once the ceremony has begun, all movement about the hall should be in a clockwise direction, unless otherwise specified.

Banish the space if necessary, and create the framework for the Watchtower by performing a LIRP, followed by a Middle Pillar and Caduceus Breath. Optionally you may add a LIRH as well.

Watchtower

Air:

Go to the east and face the Tablet of Air.

Towards the Tablet trace the invoking pentagram of Active Spirit in blue while vibrating ‘EXARP’.

In the center of the pentagram trace the wheel of Spirit in white while vibrating ‘EHEIEH’, finishing with a gesture of projection through the center.

Towards the tablet trace the invoking pentagram of Air in blue while vibrating ‘ORO IBAH AOSPI’.

In the center of the pentagram trace the sign of Aquarius in yellow while vibrating ‘YHVH’, finishing with a gesture of projection through the center.

Aannounce, “In the Names and Letters of the Great Eastern Quadrangle, I invoke ye, Angels of the Watchtower of the East!”

Fire:

Go to the south and face the Tablet of Fire.

Towards the Tablet trace the invoking pentagram of Active Spirit in blue while vibrating ‘BITOM’.

In the center of the pentagram trace the wheel of Spirit in white while vibrating ‘EHEIEH’, finishing with a gesture of projection through the center.

Towards the tablet trace the invoking pentagram of Fire in blue while vibrating ‘OIP TEAA PEDOCE’.

In the center of the pentagram trace the sign of Leo in red while vibrating ‘ELOHIM’, finishing with a gesture of projection through the center.

Announce, “In the Names and Letters of the Great Southern Quadrangle, I invoke ye, Angels of the Watchtower of the South!”

Water:

Go to the west and face the Tablet of Water.

Towards the Tablet trace the invoking pentagram of Passive Spirit in blue while vibrating ‘HCOMA’.

In the center of the pentagram trace the wheel of Spirit in white while vibrating ‘AGLA’, finishing with a gesture of projection through the center.

Towards the tablet trace the invoking pentagram of Water in blue while vibrating ‘MPH ARSL GAICH’.

In the center of the pentagram trace the sign of the Eagle in blue while vibrating ‘ALEPH LAMED – AL’, finishing with a gesture of projection through the center.

Announce, “In the Names and Letters of the Great Western Quadrangle, I invoke ye, Angels of the Watchtower of the West!”

Earth:

Go to the west and face the Tablet of Earth.

Towards the Tablet trace the invoking pentagram of Passive Spirit in blue while vibrating ‘NANTA’.

In the center of the pentagram trace the wheel of Spirit in white while vibrating ‘AGLA’, finishing with a gesture of projection through the center.

Towards the tablet trace the invoking pentagram of Earth in blue while vibrating ‘MOR DIAL HCTGA’.

In the center of the pentagram trace the sign of Taurus in green while vibrating ‘ADONAI’, finishing with a gesture of projection through the center.

Announce, “In the Names and Letters of the Great Northern Quadrangle, I invoke ye, Angels of the Watchtower of the North!”

Invocation of the Great Kings:

Go to the west of the altar, turn east and face the Tablet of Union. Announce,
“In the East – (vibrate the name) BATAIVAH”
“In the West – (vibrate the name) EDLPRNAA”
“In the South – (vibrate the name) RAAGIOSL”
“In the North – (vibrate the name) ICZHHCAL”

Spirit:

Over the tablet trace the invoking pentagram of Active Spirit in blue while vibrating ‘EXARP’.

In the center of the pentagram trace the wheel of Spirit in white while vibrating ‘EHEIEH’, finishing with a gesture of projection down through the center.

Next trace the invoking pentagram of Passive Spirit in blue while vibrating ‘HCOMA’.

In the center of the pentagram trace the wheel of Spirit in white while vibrating ‘AGLA’, finishing with a gesture of projection down through the center.

Next trace the invoking pentagram of Passive Spirit in blue while vibrating ‘NANTA’.

In the center of the pentagram trace the wheel of Spirit in white while vibrating ‘AGLA’, finishing with a gesture of projection down through the center.

Finally trace the invoking pentagram of Active Spirit in blue while vibrating ‘BITOM’.

In the center of the pentagram trace the wheel of Spirit in white while vibrating ‘EHEIEH’, finishing with a gesture of projection down through the center.

Announce, “In the Names and Letters of the Mystical Tablet of Union, I invoke ye, Angels of the Presence of the Light Divine!”

Opening of the Veil

From your place at the altar step back one pace to the west; remain facing east.

Vibrate the Enochian Call for the Rending of the Veil:

‘OL SONUF VAORSAGI, GOHO IAD BALTA.’

(give the Sign of the Opening of the Veil while vibrating the next three names)

Invocation of Protection

From your place at the altar facing east, proclaim:

“I invoke ye, Angels of the Celestial Spheres, whose dwellings are in the Invisible! Ye are the Guardians of the Gates of the Universe; be ye also guardians of this mystic sphere. Keep far removed the evil and the unbalanced! Strengthen and inspire us, that we may preserve unsullied the Mysteries of the Eternal Gods. Let this sphere be pure and holy, so that we may enter in and become partakers of the Secrets of the Light Divine!”

Mid-Ritual

The Watchtower is now complete. Here you may announce any intention for the working, or perform any other ritual or energetic work planned for the opened magickal space.

Banishing and License to Depart

Unless the ceremony has been performed in a fully charged and permanently installed Enochian Temple, the portals must be closed and the space banished before leaving.

Go to the west of the altar and face east. Close the Veil by giving the Sign of the Closing of the Portal while vibrating the names ‘ELEXARP! COMANNANU! TABITOM!’ Give the Sign of Silence.

Close the Elemental Tablets just as you invoked them, but use the banishing forms of the pentagrams instead of the invoking forms.

Return to the west of the altar and face east. (The Tablet of Union does not need to be banished)

Give the License to Depart, vibrating the Divine Name. Announce, “I now release any beings – angels, spirits, or elementals – who may have been entrapped by this ceremony. Go in peace with the blessings of YEHESHUAH YEHOVASHAH. I now declare this ceremony at an end.”